5 Fun Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids

Do you fancy hanging out with some orangutans, digging for dinosaur bones or racing around in a pedal-powered chopper? You can do it all and more in Circle City. Indianapolis makes for a quick, easy, educational, and fun family getaway. Here are our family’s picks for the top five kid-friendly things to see and do in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our Favorite Indianapolis Attractions for Families

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Dig for dino bones or embark on a race car adventure at the don’t-miss The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This award-winning museum is all hands-on, inviting little ones to play, discover and learn, thanks to engaging exhibits. Plan on spending the day here or at least a full morning or afternoon. Take a break and enjoy lunch at the in-museum food court.

White River State Park

White River State Park, a 250-acre park located in downtown Indianapolis, contains the Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater, the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. It’s also home to the NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions, the Medal of Honor Memorial, Victory Field (home of Indianapolis Indians’ baseball), Military Park, the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn Concert Series and the Indiana Cross Country Arena.

The best way to explore this expansive park is by bicycle. Wheel Fun Rentals offers everything from pedal-powered choppers to regular and tandem bikes to a family-sized surrey.

Rhythm! Discovery Center

The Rhythm! Discovery Center is the world’s foremost drum and percussion museum. If your kid dances to a beat all her own or just loves to make some noise, pop into this interactive, musical museum where kids are invited to beat on drums and learn how rhythm rocks their everyday lives.

Indianapolis Zoo

Organized around the concept of biomes which are areas of the planet with similar climates, plants and animals, the Indianapolis Zoo is home to one of the largest groups of orangutans in any American zoo. At the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, kids can literally gaze into the eyes of these amazing animals, while also learning more about their plight as an endangered species. Head over to the giraffe exhibit in the Plains biome to feed one of the long-necked beauties a snack. Then make your way to the Shark Touch Pool to pet a friendly shark.

Try to plan your visit to the zoo around an animal keeper chat. These engaging and educational sessions are included with your regular zoo admission. Check the current schedule online or ask for a schedule at the entry plaza.

Dallara IndyCar Factory

At the Dallara IndyCar Factory you can step behind the wheel of an IndyCar, thanks to top notch racing simulators. Racing fans will want to take the factory tour where skilled technicians handcraft the Dallara IndyCar chassis before your eyes.

Where to stay in Indianapolis

Located downtown near the Indiana Convention Center, Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites boasts some of the Circle City’s largest suites and features two restaurants, a luxurious spa, heated indoor swimming pool and more.